Idaho Gives, traditionally a one-day giving day in May for nonprofits in Idaho, has been extended to two weeks this year due to our state’s stay at home order. This year, individuals and businesses can support the work of nonprofits from April 23 – May 7. The Idaho Nonprofit Center, headquartered in Boise, organizes this event which is meant to celebrate all of the great work that nonprofits in Idaho are doing.

Roots Forest School from Roots Forest School on Vimeo.

At Roots Forest School we are committed to providing an experiential learning environment for all children in our community that invites curiosity and wonder, fosters healthy relationships, and cultivates creative thinking. We believe these foundational skills are crucial for navigating our rapidly changing society. Supporters of Roots help make this dream a reality!

This will be our second year participating in Idaho Gives as a fully-fledged 501(c)3. Donations this year will be used to support the work our staff is doing to provide remote learning resources to our families while our forest classroom is closed. Donations will also help us with much-needed funding for the 2020-2021 school year, to support things such as science and art materials, and scholarships to ensure access to all families who want to participate in forest preschool in the setting of Ponderosa State Park. Visit us here to make a donation! Share our message from one of our posts on our Facebook page!

$2000 in Matching Funds!

We are thankful for the support of Rocky Mountain Crane, Pine Top Custom Homes, and an anonymous local donor for providing $2,000 in dollar for dollar matching funds through the 2 weeks of Idaho Gives. That means your donation is doubled while these funds last!

What people are saying about Roots:

“I had always been curious about the laughter coming from the forest at Ponderosa State Park in McCall. When I was invited to join the board of Roots Forest School and began to volunteer with the Douglas Fir class of 3 and 4 year olds, I soon found out who was having so much fun and why. At Roots each day is an adventure!

The young students learn early literacy, math, and science skills, listen to wonderful literature, and engage in problem solving. The ever-changing environment of the park provides a unique opportunity to share, play, and discover while learning new skills such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing. As a retired educator from Barbara Morgan Elementary School, I especially appreciate the high quality of teachers at Roots. Being a Roots board member allows me to support their work to gently instill a respect for our earth and the creatures that inhabit her to these little ones at such an impressionable young age.” – Maggie Crawford, Roots Board Member

“We absolutely love being part of the Roots family this year. The program has grown our son mentally and emotionally. His sense of wonder in nature has been further developed by the unique lessons and activities during Roots class. We are excited for both our children to have this wonderful outdoor school opportunity.” -Currey Family

“I love teaching at Roots because so much of the learning process is directed by the students. Although we develop learning themes and make teaching plans, we adapt our teaching daily to address the interests and needs of our students. We set-up learning provocations that inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, but ultimately our students are leaders in their own learning journey.” – Kaela Frank, Roots Educator

Thank you for considering supporting Roots Forest School through Idaho Gives! Gifts made during this event ensure access to Roots Forest School to all interested families, regardless of income. These gifts also maintain our ability to continue to provide remote resources for our families during this time. Our donors make it possible to continue our connections between staff and family, nature and our youth.